It’s January, so the shows that premiered in the fall have either been long cancelled or begun to establish themselves in the various network lineups. It’s also the time where some other shows premiere and I realize I watch far too much television. But that’s just how it goes. Some of the shows are given labels like “breakout hit,” “best new comedy,” etc. Then there’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” that somehow just won Best Television Comedy at the 71st Golden Globe Awards. I’d say that’s a great way to cap a successful fall season.
Following a goofball NYPD precinct, the show is equal parts Police Academy and “The Office” with Andy Samberg playing the part of lead goofball. When a new no-nonsense captain (Andre Braugher) takes over, everyone has to adjust. Well at least that’s what happened at the beginning of the series. Now the captain has quite a few jokes of his own beyond being the straight man. And the show has raised its game because of that. Nobody wants to watch your favorite character get yelled at non-stop. If you did, you would watch “Celebrity Apprentice.”
The success of “Nine-Nine” can be easily traced behind the scenes. Appearing on a different network (Fox) than “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation,” (NBC) familiar names to those shows such as Michael Schur turn up in the writer and producer chairs. For those not familiar with the name, he’s the guy who played Dwight’s weirdo brother Mose on “The Office.” Yeah, him. He’s actually a successful comedy writer. “Nine-Nine” is just the latest feather in his cap. Story-wise the progression makes sense. It doesn’t have the documentary format of the other shows, but the ensemble is very familiar. There are some who take themselves too seriously, prankers, clueless oafs, and all the other usual suspects. I’ll let you draw the comparisons between members of the three casts.
The format has the continuity between episodes building a cohesive story that is expected from network comedy. Now we are seeing some of those overlying themes take shape with 13 episodes airing. The would-be romance between Samberg’s character and his partner played by Melissa Fumero has been addressed with an ironic date that turned into the real thing. Also, we have seen some of the captain’s struggles that led him to be the non-smiling figure he is today. But the whole story is less important here than some other shows. Instead the non-stop jokes that range from fart-humor to workplace politics dictate the success. Even with some growing pains early on, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” has found its stride. Its Best Television Comedy Golden Globe winning stride.
